Hair Battle Spectacular

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Fantasy hair competition has big styles but falls flat.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

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Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that, like most shows of its kind, this reality series -- in which stylists compete in fantasy hairstyling challenges for a cash prize -- has lots of bickering between contestants, strong language (though “f--k” and “s--t” are bleeped), sexual innuendo, and drinking. It isn’t the most exciting show, but some teens might be interested in the over-the-top hairstyles that it showcases (or, if not that, then the drama between the contestants).

  • Although the series highlights hair-related creativity and artistry, positive take-aways are mostly lost amid the typical reality goings-on -- fights, bickering, partying, etc.
  • Some of the contestants (who are a diverse group ovrall) exhibit poor sportsmanship from time to time, and they frequently bicker/argue.
  • Some arguing between contestants. The Glam Slam takes place in a boxing ring, but there's no fighting.
  • Some stylists use mild sexual innuendo to show off their hairstyles during the Glam Slam; models often wear skimpy bikinis/outfits to accentuate the hairstyle they're showing off. One stylist is known as “Sexy Lexy."
  • Words like “hell” are audible, while curses like “s--t” and “f--k” are bleeped. Abbreviations like "WTF" are frequently used.
  • Blurred images of Barcardi Rum bottles and other liquors are occasionally visible.
  • The contestants are frequently shown drinking wine and mixed drinks. One challenge requires contestants to create hairstyles inspired by cocktails.

What's the story?

In HAIR BATTLE SPECTACULAR, 10 extreme hairstylists create outrageous fantasy 'dos in hopes of winning $100,000. Each week, the contestants compete in theme-inspired challenges designed to test their ability to tell stories through hair constructions (which can include both natural and woven hair, as well as props). They then present their hairstyles in a "Glam Slam" -- a performance-driven presentation that highlights their creations in front of a live studio audience -- and a panel of judges (including award-winning hair designer Erick J., celebrity stylist Lindsay Albanese, and a rotating guest judge) decides on the best style. At the end of each episode, the designer producing the worst "hair don’t" is eliminated, while the rest of the stylists get closer to the cash prize.


Is it any good?

 

The series, which is hosted by Brooke Burns, showcases the growing "fantasy hairstyle" trend, which has been made popular in the mainstream by performers like Lady Gaga. It highlights the creativity and artistry required to translate stories into large, dramatic hairstyles, as well as the kind of styling and performance required to show them off effectively.

Like most reality competitions of this kind, much of the show’s focus is on the contestants, who often seem to be trying too hard to flaunt egos that seem bigger than the hairpieces they're creating. And the judges, despite their efforts to be hip and trendy, are also a little flat. Viewers may be drawn to watch simply out of curiosity, but outside of the outrageous hairstyles, the show just isn’t very exciting. 


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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about the appeal of this kind of reality show. What others is it like? Does anything set it apart from similar shows? Why do you think the contestants were chosen?

  • Did you know anything about "fantasy hairstyling" before watching this show? Is it an art form, or simply an interesting
    way of styling hair?


This review was written by Melissa Camacho
Parent of 12 and 14 year old
August 11, 2010
 
minista and tsunami are both really pos itive

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Kid, 13 years old
September 24, 2010
 
Great show for tween reality fans!!!
Great alternative to Bad Girls Club for reality fans. This show really sends a good message: these contestants are making fantasy hairstyles to try to reach the top - rather than fighting, partying hard, and behaving really badly to reach the top. Some scenes (like Derek J's girly outfits) bring laughs to my whole entire family!! There is some mild to moderate language, but otherwise this show is great for tweens. My mom will give it the same rating!!

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This review was written by Melissa Camacho
TV rating:TV-PG
Network:Oxygen
Cast:Brooke Burns, Derek J, Lindsay Albanese
Genre:Reality TV

This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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